Karren Lovejoy discovered her rare condition, vaginism, after watching the Netflix series 'Sex Education'. The show helped her identify her symptoms, leading to a diagnosis and treatment. Her journey, shared on TikTok, highlights the importance of awareness and the impact of media in recognizing health issues.
How a Netflix Series Helped Karren Discover Her Rare Condition
How a Netflix Series Helped Karren Discover Her Rare Condition
Karren's Unusual Condition – TV Series Provided the Answer. The series 'Sex Education' helped Karren identify what was wrong.
Karren Lovejoy struggled to understand what was wrong. She couldn't even use a tampon.
– It was confusing and frustrating that something so simple and easy for everyone else wasn't for me, she tells People.
– It felt like it was blocked, like there was a wall.
When she was about to have sex for the first time, the 'wall' was still there.
– I just hoped it would magically work, she says.
She shared her story on TikTok, starting the clip with:
– So, I was a virgin until I got married, and you might think 'oh, you did this noble thing and saved yourself for marriage.' No, not really. I simply couldn't.
Found the Answer – in a Netflix Series
When Karren watched an episode of the TV series 'Sex Education', where one of the characters had vaginism, she recognized herself.
For the first time, she had a name for what she was experiencing.
– It was the first time I felt I wasn't imagining it, says Karren.
She received the diagnosis from a gynecologist, while no one in her immediate circle had heard of vaginism.
– Not my mom, not my friends – it was simply not something anyone talked about, she explains.
Tools to Expand the Vaginal Canal
After being diagnosed by a gynecologist, Karren began pelvic floor therapy, talk therapy, and breathing exercises.
She read on Reddit about vaginal dilators, which can be used to expand the vaginal canal.
– I had them for a year and didn't touch them, she admits.
What finally drove her forward was love – specifically meeting her future husband.
Using the dilator for the first time was a breakthrough.
– It was like, wow… this is actually possible.
After a few months, she could finally use a tampon.
And on her wedding night, she reached a milestone with her husband.
– I got married, and on our wedding night, I screamed 'bloody murder', she concludes her TikTok clip.
For those just starting their journey, she has a simple message:
– I never thought I would use a tampon, let alone have sex. But it is possible.